Boat

Tamarisk is a 1994 56 foot (17 meter) Sundeer. It’s a Steve Dashew designed boat built for long distance / open water sailing, and has already been around the world with its prior owner (Gibby) under the name W.E. Penny. This is a larger boat than most people use for two-person circumnavigations, but the extra size will help us go faster and further into the more remote places, stay safe on the bigger crossings, and make it easier to bring guests aboard.

Tamarisk now carries the same name as our grandfather’s boat where we first experienced sailing. A Tamarisk is a tree known for its branches, which bend in the wind, but never break. The boat flies the British ensign (we are British citizens by birth) and is registered in Douglas on the Isle of Man.

The cockpit is designed for single handed sailing, meaning all lines and winches are easily accessible from the wheel. This is s also prime real estate for sleeping on warm nights, especially since our air conditioner broke.

The dining room converts into a bedroom when friends or family are aboard, which so far has been almost all the time… we hope that continues.

The galley has a double sink, two refrigerators, a freezer, microwave (which will get lots of use), and a stove (which will never get used).

The master cabin sleeps two.

Aft is a quarter berth which sleeps three (bottom bunk extends into a double).

The engine is an 88hp diesel Yanmar. Under motor the boat will cruise at 8 knots (9 mph). Cruising range under motor is around 1500 miles per tank, approximately half way across the Atlantic Ocean.

Also in the engine room is a generator, 25 gallon hot water tank, fresh water maker, and even a little work bench.